by Cheval John

A new year is dawning upon us.

It’s a time to reflect on what has transpired in 2012 whether it was good or bad.

Many new lives were created in 2012 that brought joy to families, friends, etc.

On the flip side, many lives were taken away that brought sadness to either the relatives, friends, acquaintances, etc. of those who were lost.

One person who come to mind is the legendary Dick Clark.

Clark passed away earlier this year at the age of 82 from a heart attack after going for his regular visit at a hospital in California.

He was a who was a pioneer who brought the genre of rock-n-roll to millions of Americans on American Bandstand during the 1950s.

Bandstand became the longest running television show in U.S. history.

Though Bandstand was his trademark, he also began a tradition in 1972 of bringing in the new year on national television from Times Square, New York called Dick Clark’s Rocking Eve that featured different recording artist performing their hit songs.

Who would have thought that the 40th anniversary of the Rocking’ Eve was Mr. Clark’s last and that he would not be apart of this year’s event.

Tonight will be a tribute the man who not only brought recording artist to prominence, but allowed to millions of Americans to take part in the tradition of bringing in the New Year from New York City.

Though Ryan Seacrest has been doing the same things as Clark with American Idol and co-hosting with Clark, this year’s Rockin’ Eve show will be different for him as he will not be able to celebrate with the man who helped him and others to get to where they needed to be in order to be successful.

That alone is why Dick Clark will be forever missed by his friends, family and the millions of people who became fans because of his “youthful” appearance and his signature line “For Now, Dick Clark, so long.”

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